As Thanksgiving approaches, I can't help but look for little things to do or add to make the holiday more meaningful and memorable. Especially since Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of gorging oneself before (finally!) turning on the Christmas music (actually, I start Christmas music in early November - can't help myself). Thanksgiving gets lost, slipped in between the fun of costumes and candy and the magic and mystery of Advent and Christ's birth.

1. Our Favorite Thanksgiving Picture Book!

So what do we do? One tradition we've kept for years, even now that the older batch of children is far too old for picture books, is to read a favorite Thanksgiving book. My personal favorite (and perhaps one of my favorite picture books of all time) is A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman. I love everything about this book. The brilliant rhyme, the flawless rhythm, the adorable story, the zany illustrations. It's a delight to me every time I read it. When my older kids were in school I'd even bring it to the annual Harvest Party to read to the class - because everyone MUST know and love this book!

2. A Thanksgiving Poem

This year I feel the need to add poetry geared toward my almost-adults. I stumbled upon this poem when preparing Penny's Five in a Row (homeschool studies), and fell in love. The language is a delight, and this particular rendition absolutely heartwarming.

I created a printable poster of the poem itself so the richness of the dialect won't be missed. Here's the text to When the Frost is on the Punkin by James Whitcomb Riley from the Poetry Foundation. And if below is the printable poster I created.

3. Thanksgiving Crafts & Activities

Of course with little hands around, there's much to do, but I don't always want extra helpers in the kitchen. Crafts are in order! Beyond the purchased kits from craft shops (which I buy on sale/with coupons early in the season) there are endless crafts for Thanksgiving on Pinterest, BHG, everywhere. They range from simple to over-the-top. This year I wanted some cute printables to keep little ones busy, and here's a post with an exhaustive list of resources.

4. Thanksgiving Story Bracelet Craft

One year I tried this easy craft to make Thanksgiving more meaningful and memorable. It was a hit! And it’s truly as easy as pony beads, pipe cleaner, and a printer.

5. Switch Out the Thanksgiving Stuffing for Stuffed Pumpkin!

I first made this dish for Thanksgiving 2007 and it has been an autumn staple ever since. It really could be a meal all in itself for any crisp fall day!

6. Share a Thanksgiving Prayer

Another printable! This beautiful prayer will be a new addition for our Thanksgiving celebration this year. I found the meaning so perfect that I made a poster for us to print and display on our Holiday table. Of course I’m going to share it with you!

7. Advent begins SOON! It’s not too early to think about Christmas, and it’s never too late to start a new holiday tradition.

When my older children were little we began celebrating Advent (the season leading up to Christmas) with purpose and intentionality. As time went on, I created a series of readings, songs, symbols for each day based on the Jesse Tree tradition. It has become our children’s FAVORITE Christmas tradition, and now it’s available for you! Visit my sister site, Joy of Advent for all the holiday inspiration you could want, and be sure to sign up for our Daily Advent Experience!

Beyond the family feasting, how do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Tell me all about your favorite songs, movies, activities, foods and traditions in the comments below!